Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United to go and sign more players before the end of the transfer window - but also admitted it isn't up to him when it comes to recruitment.
The Red Devils have made two signings this month so far, having completed a deal to sign Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace, before Wout Weghorst arrived from Burnley. United continue to be linked with a number of other players, however, including another striker and a left-winger.
Harry Kane is amongst those being tipped to make the switch to the Red Devils, with his current Tottenham contract out in 2024, although the forward could be set to sign a new Spurs deal. He has been a longstanding target of United's over the years, having scored 199 Premier League goals in his career.
In the build-up to the Red Devils' FA Cup meeting with Reading, Ten Hag appeared to throw a mini statement at the United hierarchy about signing players before February 1. The Dutchman claimed he would "go for it" and bring in some more players if it was his choice.
"In the coming days, if we had the opportunity I would go for it but that's not also up to me, that's also clear," said Ten Hag. "I think this club always has to have the approach that every day you have to get better so if there are opportunities to get better then you have to strike.
"That's my approach so I'm looking around, to research but I have an idea with which profiles we could strengthen the squad."
United are the only English team left in four competitions and Ten Hag is keen to have a big enough squad to compete for trophies and honours across all fronts. The Red Devils took one step towards reaching the Carabao Cup final with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final first-leg.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag's side face Barcelona in the Europa League play-off last-32 tie next month, with the FA Cup and 18 more Premier League fixtures on the horizon. After a disastrous start to the campaign, the Red Devils have put themselves in a superb position to finish inside the top four, having won 12 of their last 18 league matches.
However, it isn't just incomings that could happen before deadline day, with Harry Maguire also subject to reported interest from West Ham and Aston Villa. Ten Hag added that Maguire has to fight for his position and it is unlikely he will be allowed to depart the club.
"He's not fifth choice but it's up to him," said Ten Hag. "I have to say he's training very well, bringing quality and that is what I expect from all the players in the squad. He has to fight for his position and things can change, sometimes also really quickly. I think he is making progress and it's up to him.
"After the World Cup he should have played but then he got ill. I can't do anything about that and he knows that. Then you come in a run and he has to wait for his chance, I think those are the laws of football, from top football, from selection. Then you have to wait for a change and in the meanwhile make sure you are ready if the chance is there."
